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Wharfedale EVO4.1 Review
Wharfedale EVO4.1

Main Features

  • 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter
  • 5" Kevlar Woofer
  • 64-22k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 25-100watts
  • Weight:17.16 lbs / 7.80 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 13.1"x8.2"x11.6" / 335.0 x 210.0 x 295.0mm
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Wharfedale EVO4.1 Review

Wharfedale EVO4.1 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Wharfedale. It features a 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter and 1 x 5" Kevlar Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 64-22k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. Wharfedale EVO4.1 has an MSRP of 799$ per pair.

What size of room is the Wharfedale EVO4.1 speaker good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use the Wharfedale EVO4.1 is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various sizes of environments considering its size and max power parameters:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldAverage
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomBad

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

What are the speakers in Wharfedale's EVO Series?

EVO4.1 is a member of Wharfedale's EVO series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Wharfedale EVO Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Wharfedale EVO4.1
64-22k Hz 87 dB8Ω 1 x 5"
Wharfedale EVO4.4
Compare
44-22k Hz 89 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Wharfedale EVO4.2
Compare
54-22k Hz 88 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Wharfedale EVO4.3
Compare
48-22k Hz 89 dB8Ω 2 x 5"
Wharfedale EVO4.CS
Compare
50-22k Hz 89 dB8Ω 2 x 5"
Wharfedale EVO4.C
Compare
48-22k Hz 90 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Wharfedale EVO Series Speakers
Wharfedale EVO Series Speakers


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What is the Frequency Response of the Wharfedale EVO4.1 speaker?

Wharfedale EVO4.1 has a Frequency response range of 64-22k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 25-100 watts. At a minimum frequency of 64 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from EVO4.1 so depending on your intended use, using a subwoofer will significantly help to widen the response range.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with Wharfedale EVO4.1, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $1000. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how EVO4.1's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Wharfedale EVO4.1
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Wharfedale EVO4.1
Min
Average
Max

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 1000$ (Pair), these are the 2 Passive Bookshelf speakers that have the deeper bass levels than the Wharfedale EVO4.1's 64Hz:

  • B&W 607 S2 with Low Frequency of 52 Hz (Compare w/ EVO4.1)
  • B&W 606 S2 with Low Frequency of 52 Hz (Compare w/ EVO4.1)


What are the Impedance and Sensitivity of the Wharfedale EVO4.1? Is it an easy-to-drive speaker?

Wharfedale EVO4.1's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.5 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 87 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Wharfedale EVO4.1
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Wharfedale EVO4.1 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, Wharfedale EVO4.1 is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D speakers.

Minimum Impedance of Wharfedale EVO4.1

Even though the nominal impedance of the EVO4.1 is 8 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to Wharfedale is 3.5 ohms Wharfedale EVO4.1 so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Wharfedale EVO4.1:

  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1500 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

EVO4.1 has Post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can provide improvements in the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by running separate speaker wires to the low & high frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping allows the use of separate amplifiers for the high & low frequency drivers of your loudspeaker which may result in greater dynamic range & lower distortion.

Wharfedale EVO4.1 Terminals
Wharfedale EVO4.1's Post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring

Wharfedale EVO4.1 External Dimensions and Weight

Wharfedale EVO4.1 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 13.1 x 8.2 x 11.6inch (335.0 x 210.0 x 295.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Wharfedale EVO4.1 is approximately 619.5cm2 / 96.0inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Wharfedale EVO4.1, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Wharfedale EVO4.1 Real Life Body Size Comparison
Wharfedale EVO4.1 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Wharfedale EVO4.1 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

Wharfedale EVO4.1 placed next to an amplifier and turntable
Wharfedale EVO4.1 Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Weight

The Wharfedale EVO4.1 weighs 7.80kg / 17.2lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how EVO4.1's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Wharfedale EVO4.1
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $1000
Wharfedale EVO4.1
Min
Average
Max

How does the Wharfedale EVO4.1 compare to the Wharfedale EVO4.2?

One of the natural alternative to the Wharfedale EVO4.1 is the EVO4.2 which is located one step higher in Wharfedale's Passive Bookshelf selection.

Here is a scaled size comparison of these two speakers to give you an idea how their external dimensions compare:

Wharfedale EVO4.1 vs Wharfedale EVO4.2 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Wharfedale EVO4.1 and Wharfedale EVO4.2 Size and External Dimensions

Check the Detailed Comparison of Wharfedale EVO4.1 vs EVO4.2 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

Wharfedale EVO4.1 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Wood-veneer finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Speaker Feet

Wharfedale EVO4.1 comes with 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Port Position

Wharfedale EVO4.1 is a bottom-firing port speaker

Available colors

Wharfedale EVO4.1 is available in Walnut, Black and White.

Wall Mounting

EVO4.1 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Speaker Stands

Wharfedale sells a dedicated speaker stand for the EVO4.1 with a model name Wharfedale EVO4 Stands. You can check the latest price and availability of these stands at B&H PHOTO and Amazon.

Wharfedale EVO4 Stands for Wharfedale EVO4.1
Wharfedale EVO4 Stands Speaker Stands for Wharfedale EVO4.1

Does the Wharfedale EVO4.1 come with a Grille?

EVO4.1 comes with magnetic grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the EVO4.1 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

Wharfedale EVO4.1  with Grille
Wharfedale EVO4.1 with Grille

What's in the Box of Wharfedale EVO4.1?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of EVO4.1:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • 4 Jumper-bars (pre-installed)
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Pair of white cloth gloves
  • User Manual
  • User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Wharfedale EVO4.1, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for Wharfedale EVO4.1

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Wharfedale EVO4.1 speaker:
    Official Brochure for Wharfedale EVO4.1

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Wharfedale EVO4.1 speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for Wharfedale EVO4.1

    Warranty

    5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    Wharfedale EVO4.1 Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    B&W 606
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
    B&W 606 S2
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
    Klipsch RP-500M
    Compare
    2-way 93 dB 8 ohms 48-25k Hz
    KEF Q150
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 51-28k Hz
    Wharfedale LINTON
    Compare
    3-way 90 dB 6 ohms 40-20k Hz
    KEF Q350
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 63-28k Hz
    Triangle Borea BR02
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 51 - 22k Hz
    Wharfedale Denton 85
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 4 ohms 45-20k Hz
    Wharfedale EVO4.2
    Compare
    3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 54-22k Hz
    Triangle Borea BR03
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 46 - 22k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Wharfedale EVO4.1
    What is the External Dimensions of Wharfedale EVO4.1
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Wharfedale EVO4.1
    is the Wharfedale EVO4.1 an easy to drive speaker?



    Wharfedale EVO4.1 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandWharfedale
    Full Model NameWharfedale EVO4.1
    Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
    Power Range25-100 watts
    Sensitivity87 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response64-22k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size5-inch
    Woofer CompositionKevlar
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1.18x2.36-inch
    Tweeter TypeAMT (Ribbon)
    Port Positionbottom

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypePost
    Biamp InputsYes
    Port Positionbottom
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height335.0mm ( 13.1-inch)
    Width210.0mm ( 8.2-inch)
    Depth295.0mm ( 11.6-inch)
    Height335.0mm ( 13.1-inch)
    Weight7.80kg ( 17.16 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF/Wood-veneer
    Available ColorsWalnut,Black,White
    Mounting BracketNo
    Recommended Stand Height24-26
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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